Dee Cee Neeley, 96, died Saturday, December 30, 2023, with his family by his bedside at Life Care Center of Columbia after a brief illness.

A Masonic service was held Thursday, January 4, at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home.

Funeral services were conducted Friday, January 5, at Graymere Church of Christ in Columbia with John Vaughan officiating. Burial followed in Palestine Cemetery with Donald Duncan officiating. Military honors were provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Palestine Cemetery, c/o Dorothy Warf, 472 Claude Carroll Road, Hohenwald, TN 38462. Condolences may be extended online at http://www.oakesandnichols.com.

Born April 28, 1927, in a one room house located in the Cave Hollow of the Swan Creek Community in Hickman County, he was the son of the late Henry Stanley Neeley and the late Claudia Mae Duncan Neeley. Mr. Neeley lived on the The Neeley Century Farm until relocating to Columbia as a young man. On December 27, 1950, he married Kitty Jo Weatherspoon Neeley who preceded him in death September 1, 1993. From September 1950 to September 1952, Mr. Neeley served in the United States Army during the Korean War era, being stationed in Germany for one and half years.

Mr. Neeley farmed the family farm his entire life. In January 1953 he moved to Columbia and went to work for DuPont Sponge plant that later became Spontex. He worked there for forty and half years until he retired to care for his ailing wife.

Dee Cee was an active member of Graymere Church of Christ. He was a member of Columbia Lodge #31 since 1958. He was a member of the Maury County Walking Horse Association for over 60 years. Charter member of Columbia Sponge Credit Union and served as Vice President for 11 years and President for 17 years. He was a member of the Maury County Bridle and Saddle Club since 1986, where he served as Mule Day Parade Director for 18 years, Wagon Train Director for 16 years, Knife Director for several years, Co-Chairman of Mule Day for 16 years, and Chairman of Mule Day for 2 years. He was a member of the Columbia Mule Day Hall of Fame.

Mr. Neeley was a trusted advisor to several local, regional, and statewide political campaigns. His advice and counsel were sought out and trusted by many. One of his greatest legacies will be his advice and counsel to his many trusted and loved friends. Many people far and wide thought of him as their best friend. Dee Cee was a man of service to his Lord, his family, his animals, his community, and his friends.

Survivors include his daughter, Pam Nolen of Columbia; son, Rick Neeley of Columbia; grandchildren, Allison Renee (Andrew) Nixon of Franklin; Joanna Leigh (Tadd) Brewer of Franklin; Jacqueline (Charles Derrick) Spires of Spring Hill; great grandchildren, Austin Derrick Spires, Natalie Racquel Spires, Kaylee Marie Spires, Alexandria Kelley Nixon, Andrew Akin Nixon, Grady Smith Brewer, Emmett Ray Brewer, and Hadley Scott Brewer; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Grover Tom Neeley, Lee Edward Neeley, Sherman Neeley, Ivan Cecil Neeley, Warner Dayton Neeley; and sisters, Annie Brown Farais, Bernice Marie Proffitt, Parley Neeley, and Mae Katherine Neeley.